Hay fever is a common condition that’s caused by an allergy to different types of pollen, according to the NHS. Pollen is a fine powder that’s released by plants, and it contains proteins that can irritate the nose, throat and eyes. With around 20 per cent of the UK affected by hay fever, pollen count spikes could result in large numbers of runny noses and watering eyes. You could be at risk of hay fever symptoms today (May 19) if you’re around London, or the southeast.

You can lower your risk of hay fever symptoms by keeping your doors and windows closed

The southeast of England can expect ‘Moderate’ pollen levels today, according to the Met Office.

The rest of the UK has been forecasted a ’Low’ pollen count.

The forecast is expected to remain the same until Wednesday next week (May 22), it revealed.

During this part of the year, the pollen affecting hay fever patients is largely from trees, the Met Office added.

If you’re spending time in the southeast of England over the coming days, and you have hay fever, you should limit your expose to pollen.

You can lower your risk of hay fever symptoms by keeping your doors and windows closed while inside. That also applies to car windows, but you should also aim to recirculate the air intake in your car.

“Avoiding airborne allergens such as pollen can be difficult,” it said.

“However, many people do see their symptoms improve when avoiding or reducing exposure to house dust mite and pets.

“Nasal allergen barrier balms may be useful, when applied around the nostrils, can help to prevent allergens entering the nose and triggering symptoms.

“On high pollen days, shower and wash your hair after arriving home and change your clothing [as pollen is virtually indestructible unless wet, so will stay on hair, body and clothing].

“Keep windows closed when indoors. This is most important in the early mornings, when pollen is being released, and in the evening when the air cools and pollens that have been carried up into the air begin to fall to ground level again.”

Common hay fever symptoms include having itchy eyes, sneezing, blocked noses, headaches, and shortness of breath.

Some patients may also experience a loss of smell, facial pain, earache, and tiredness.

Smoking, or being around smoke, could make your hay fever symptoms worse.

You should speak to a doctor if your hay fever symptoms can’t be controlled by over-the-counter medication.